THE BLUE LAGOON: A GUIDE TO ICELAND’S GEOTHERMAL WONDER

Most travellers visit Iceland for one reason, the Northern Lights. The ultimate bucket list tick off. But, if you have done some reading these aren’t always a guaranteed see. It needs to be relatively clear skies and they come out to play in the sky at night. So, what is there to do during the day when you’re waiting for the light show to appear? Well, Iceland is full of little treats for you to explore. One being it’s world famous geothermal spa, The Blue Lagoon. A magical pool of turquoise blue waters surrounded by snow capped mountains. Sound good? Keep reading this guide to find out more.

What is it?

The Blue Lagoon is quite simply that. A Blue Lagoon. It’s tranquil waters are heated by Icelandic geothermal activity so that at any point in the year locals and tourists alike can bathe in its beautifully warm waters. It is also functions as a spa and is said to have skin healing properties due to the white silica mud which lays beneath it. It lies in the heart of volcanic mountains which gives it an out-of-this-world feel as you relax while sipping a drink. A must do when visiting Iceland!

Where is it?

It is situated half way between Reykjavik and Keflavik airport which is ideal as most tourists base themselves in Reykjavik due to Iceland’s tourist destinations being just in arms reach of the city.

How do I get there?

There are many options in getting to the Blue Lagoon. Of course, you can organise a taxi or hire a car but the most popular way is by bus.

Most tourist companies in Iceland run a bus service in which you can purchase a ticket for in advance of arrival. This will include stating the time that you would like to leave for the Blue Lagoon and the time you would like to return to Reykjavik.

You will be picked up from the front door of your hotel if you have chosen this option by a mini bus or coach. If you have been picked up in a mini bus, you will more than likely be dropped off at the central bus station and then need to catch a bigger bus or coach to make your way to the lagoon. Alternatively, you can choose to be picked up at the central bust station but it’s easier to be picked up at your hotel especially if conditions are icy!

Be aware that it will take around one hour to reach the lagoon. I would recommend getting a ticket from a bus company which allows you to return at your leisure as you may get there and not want to leave!

You can also visit the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik and then head straight onto the Airport. This is a great option if you’re stuck for time as time. There are places to store your luggage while you visit and hairdryers so you don’t have to get on the plane with a soggy mane.

I chose Rejkjavik excursions as they had competitive prices and a really flexible return schedule. You can book tickets here. But there are also other companies like GreylineandExtreme Icelandwho also run the same service. Make sure you shop around and book a return ticket!

How much is it?

This depends on what sort of package you would like to purchase and the season. You can just buy a basic entry ticket, or you can opt for more luxury packages that include a robe, drink, a reservation at the Lava restaurant, massage and spa bundles and much more. Check out the Blue Lagoon’s websitefor full details. It is advised to buy your ticket in advance (to avoid queuing) and directly from their website.

What is there to do?

There are countless options of things to do!

Relax – You can just get in, explore and relax taking in your beautiful surroundings.

Grab a drink – There is a bar that you can purchase drinks from or claim as part of your package and drink them in the lagoon. You will be given a waterproof wrist band and they will load your credit on there. On exiting the lagoon you then simply pay what you owe when leaving. You are limited to 3 drinks for health and safety due to the temperature of the water.

Beauty treatments/massage packages – you can pay for a massage or beauty treatment in advance of arriving at the lagoon or you can purchase while you’re there. You will be given an allotted time to meet your masseuse or beauty therapist.

Lava Restaurant – There is an amazingly expensive restaurant that offers fine dining. I didn’t personally go, but it came highly recommended. You can get a reservation as part of the many packages the Blue Lagoon provides. Alternatively, reserve through their website. If you’re after cheap eats, there are a few cafes which provide sandwiches and snacks if you get peckish.

Mud Masks – You may get in to the lagoon and arrive to see a lot of people with white mud masks on their face! This is the Silica mud. They are supposed to do wanders for your skin and be a natural exfoliant. If you want to get involved, have a look around and there will be wooden boxes with a little hook on a chain for you to dip in and get some clean mud (I wouldn’t recommend getting it from the bottom due to how many feet have touched it – yuck!). It’s completely free, safe and fun too!

Explore – Before you head into the lagoon, have a walk around and getting a few snaps of the blue.

When is the best time to visit?

Purchase an early ticket for the lagoon if possible. Not only will it guarantee you entry while you’re there (it’s extremely popular), you will save time, avoid massive queues and have it pretty much to yourself.

In terms of season, it is beautifully blue all year round! Winter is the best time as there’s nothing better than swimming in warm water when its minus outside. During it’s winter time, Iceland has limited daylight and so you may even be able to watch the stars or Northern Lights while you’re in there – how amazing is that!

Is it safe?

It is completely safe to visit and bathe there and, as far as I know, there are no health risks associated with bathing in the lagoon. Geothermal activity is what goes on underground to heat up the water and make it hot so it wouldn’t affect you. If anything, you’ll come out healthier than when you go in and it’s known to have many healing properties!

What if I want to take pictures?

I’m sure you’ve seen the many Instagram selfies of Blue Lagoon visitors sporting their mud masks. But you’re wondering how as you don’t want to ruin your phone/camera! Well, here are a few options to ensure you can snap your visit and make your friends at home extremely jealous;

A waterproof camera – sounds obvious, but this is probably the safest way to get some snaps. I took a GoPro sports camera which is waterproof and can take videos/photos. You can even get disposable waterproof cameras which is a great option if you don’t want to shell out.

A waterproof pouch/bag for your phone – you can purchase a waterproof pouch which is a good option for your smart phone. But, I would be careful plunging it deep underwater as even when you wrap it up in two or three of these, water can still get through. If you do take this option, better to be safe than sorry and keep it above water or have it round your neck nice and dry.

A case for your camera – there are countless options but you can get a waterproof hard case for your normal digital camera and even DSLR cameras now. These are great and it’s worth investing in a good one as you can snap some high quality images underwater.

The Blue Lagoon is paradise. If you are heading over to Iceland this cannot be missed and I guarantee you will fall in love with the experience. It’s truly a wonder of this world.

Have you been to the Blue Lagoon? Do you have any recommendations? Comment below and share your pictures!

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Sophie Pearce

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having itchy feet and a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a “Third Eye”, she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to explore this big beautiful world of ours.